If you are struggling with debt but cannot afford a bankruptcy attorney, these San Antonio-area organizations may be able to help -- for free or at reduced cost.
Texas RioGrande Legal Aid is one of the largest legal aid providers in the United States, serving low-income residents across Southwest Texas including the San Antonio metropolitan area. They handle a wide range of civil legal matters, including consumer debt, creditor harassment, and bankruptcy-related cases.
The San Antonio Legal Services Association provides free legal assistance to low-income residents of Bexar County and the surrounding area. They offer help with civil legal matters including consumer debt issues, public benefits, and housing-related legal problems. Contact them to learn about current programs and intake procedures.
St. Mary's University School of Law operates pro bono legal clinics where law students, supervised by licensed attorneys, provide free legal assistance. Their clinical programs periodically handle consumer debt and bankruptcy matters. Contact the school's clinical programs office for current availability and scheduling.
Most legal aid organizations serve people whose household income is at or below 125-200% of the federal poverty level. For reference, the 2026 guidelines are approximately:
Each organization sets its own income limits. Even if you are slightly above the threshold, it is worth calling -- some programs make exceptions based on circumstances such as medical emergencies, domestic violence, or sudden job loss.
If you do not qualify for legal aid but cannot afford an attorney, you have the right to file bankruptcy on your own. This is called filing "pro se." It is more common in Chapter 7 cases, which are generally simpler than Chapter 13.
The Pro Se Bankruptcy Guide provides step-by-step instructions for people filing without an attorney.
You can also reduce costs by:
Yes. Several organizations in San Antonio provide free legal assistance for bankruptcy cases, including Texas RioGrande Legal Aid and the St. Mary's University School of Law Pro Bono Program. Eligibility is generally based on income, typically at or below 125-200% of the federal poverty level.
Most legal aid organizations in San Antonio serve people whose income is at or below 125-200% of the federal poverty level. For a single person in 2026, that is roughly $18,000-$30,000 per year. Family size affects the threshold. Contact the organization directly for specific eligibility requirements.
If your income is too high for legal aid, consider filing pro se (on your own) using resources at prosebankruptcy.org. Some attorneys offer payment plans or flat-fee arrangements. You can also check if law school clinics at St. Mary's University have openings.
Most legal aid organizations will ask for proof of income (pay stubs, tax returns, benefits letters), identification, and a summary of your debts and assets. Bring as much documentation as you can to your first appointment to speed up the process.